From the Washington Post, this article about a new type of earthquake risk. See: 7 million Americans at risk of man-made earthquakes, USGS says

Understanding where tremblors are more likely to occur, helping communities prepare

Many universities offer courses on emergency management and disasters, but the direct relationship between the recent major earthquakes and the creation of curricula seems different this time. See:  Universities team up to tackle disasters

As Canterbury continues its rebuild efforts following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the region’s two universities are pooling their resources to give students a wide range of skills to help manage the after-effects of natural disasters.

Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury have signed a memorandum of understanding that signals their plan to jointly offer qualifications in disaster risk and resilience. “Both universities have experienced and learned so much from the Canterbury earthquakes,” Dr Cochrane says.

“The collaboratively taught and jointly awarded Master of Disaster Risk and Resilience (MDRR) and related postgraduate programmes will make the most of the complementary knowledge and expertise of each university, allowing for future joint research and collaboration.”

Lincoln University Associate Professor Hamish Rennie says that Canterbury-based students are in a unique position to discover how cities and towns can become more resilient to disaster by studying recent events that have occurred here.

Executive Order: Establishing a Federal Earthquake Risk Management Standard

Christchurch earthquake study gives insight into impacts on children. It is a small sample study, but may be of interest to those planning for earthquakes.

Thanks to Ian McLean for the citation.

The Diva has read several accounts of the recent spate of earthquakes occurring in OK.  It seems that state officials have finally taken some action. See: Oklahoma oil, gas regulators order changes after earthquakes

She recently saw a TV account of the matter, including the resignation of the state geologist.  Apparently there are many facets to the causes and science of these earthquakes, and it would be useful to hear from readers closer to the situation.

Here is another recent clipping about the matter, noting that there were 12 earthquakes in one week!

You may recall that several months ago, the New Yorker magazine featured an article that talked about the extreme risk in the Cascadia Fault Zone. ( See this July blog posting.)

I have been chatting about this topic with fellow blogger, Eric Holdeman, who lives in the Cascadia Fault Zone. Here is his recent take on the topi: Unreinforced Masonry Buildings Are a Death Trap.

For those looking for a model, the state of California has been dealing with retrofit of existing buildings for several decades. It can be done and it is being done!

The New Yorker just released this well written story by Kathryn Schulz on how bad the “Really Big One” will be for the Pacific Northwest. [Publication date is 7/20.]

The Diva highly recommends this article.  Once again we are reminded that knowledge of hazards and risk does not necessarily ensure the will and ability to act!

On the positive side, the Oregon Public Broadcasting just covered how well we have done with this year’s Oregon Legislature: See Banner Year for Earthquake Preparedness in Oregon.

Thanks to Jay Wilson of Clackamas County, OR, for the news items.

Update on July 15. Here is another take on the New Yorker article: FEMA is planning for an earthquake that would devastate the Pacific Northwest, killing at least 13,000 people.

And one more from Vanity Fair.  Yet another article on the topic.

July 28. Some pushback on the NewYorker article.